Shemekia Copeland and Bobby Rush Headline Blues-Filled Catskill Weekend

(Shemekia Copeland)

“Bluzin’ in the Catskills” brings the blues to the Villa Roma Resort in Calicoon, NY, the weekend of March 24–26, 2017. This will be an all-inclusive weekend of great blues Shemekia Copeland and Bobby Rush Headline Blues-Filled Catskill Weekend Shemekia Copeland (photo by Ron Weinstock) performers including Shemekia Copeland, The Bobby Rush Revue, John Primer, Johnny Rawls, Teeny Tucker, Slam Allen, Alexis Suter & the Ministers of sound and much more. This blues land cruise is being produced by Michael Cloeren who has produced Blues Festivals in the Poconos for 25 years and produced other events including the Philadelphia Folk Festival for four years. 

(John Primer)

When Bluzin’ attendees arrive Friday, March 24, they will be greeted by keyboard wizard Dave Keyes. That night they will feature the music of The Slam Allen Band (Slam fronted as vocalist with James Cotton for many years and now exciting crowds everywhere with his music); The Teeny Tucker Band (the daughter of Tommy Tucker evokes blues women greats like Big Mama Thornton and Etta James); and The Bobby Rush Revue, with the Blues Hall of Famer who has been singing and performing for over 50 years. That Night concludes a blues jam hosted by Bobby Kyle and the Administers with Vanessa Collier, Mikey Junior and others. 

(Teeny Tucker)

There is a full day of music on Saturday, March 25 starting with a Centennial Celebration with Bobby Kyle and the Administers with Teeny Tucker, Mikey Junior and Vanessa Collier. It will be followed by John Primer & Steve Bell (Primer is one of the great straight Chicago Blues Guitarists and vocalists and Steve Bell is Carey Bell’s son); Johnny Rawls & Dave Keller (the great soul-blues singer and guitarist as well former member of OV Wright’s band is joined by strong Vermont-based soul-blues singer-guitarist) and followed by pianist Dave Keyes and Friends. Also happening Saturday Afternoon, Guy Davis will perform his one-man show, “The Adventures of Fishy Waters: In Bed With the Blues,” an acclaimed mix of storytelling and musical performance. 

(Johnny Rawls)

Saturday evening opens with Johnny Rawls & the Dave Keller Band, followed by a Tribute to Johnny Clyde Copeland with Bobby Kyle, Randy Lippincott, Joel Perry and Barry Harrison, all former members of the late Blues Legend’s Band. John Primer follows and Shemekia Copeland, a consistent Blues Award nominee and winner finishes up the main show. The late night jam that evening will feature the Dave Keyes Band with guests including Vanessa Collier and Mikey Junior. 

The Festival winds down on Sunday, March 26 with Shemekia Copeland talking about her music and career during the brunch. Dave Keyes will be playing solo piano later and the powerhouse vocalist Alexis Suter & The Ministers of Sound will be performing in the afternoon. Those still at the resort that evening can see the Chris Bergson Band with special guest Ellis Hooks. 

(Alexis Suter)

The all-inclusive packages include Friday dinner, three meals on Saturday and Sunday Brunch, on-site lodging, meet and greet, a movie screening and more. The Villa Roma has an indoor pool, fitness center, Bowling Alley and more. The package does not include adult beverages. Deposits to get the lowest rate must be received by December 5 with the balance due by January 23, 2017. For more information, visit http://www.michaelcloerenproductions.com/, click on the Festivals pull down menu and click on the Bluzin’ in the Catskills button.